More African violets

More flowers... this is why I need to have flowers in the house!

Sometimes, when the light hits these just so, they sparkle as though they are covered in tiny crystals.

Houseplants

Today was one of those rare days when I had a totally free schedule. No obligations, nowhere I had to be, just a free day. And it was beautiful outside!

I am slowly rebuilding a houseplant collection since our move. It just doesn't feel like home without plants all around.

I started today with three new violets. I love African violets! The flowers are gorgeous. My new plants are next to a dodecahedron made from Ekaterina Lukasheva's model, "Hypnose." Two of my favorite things: modular origami and African violets!

I spent the rest of the afternoon washing pots, shoveling potting soil, and repotting plants.

The weather is changing, and we'll soon have the windows shut tightly against the cold. I hope to have a head start on the indoor forest by then. Real plants in a home are living, growing things, and can bring joy and happiness to our lives. Taking care of them is a fun hobby, too, and we are rewarded many times over for the small effort they require. I think houseplants are vastly under appreciated.

Katrina

There is so much to say, and there are so few words.

Ten years. Since this.

For those of us from New Orleans, our landscape changed forever. The aftermath has been both good and bad. Talk to people from the city, though, and you will hear that they are back. The focus is on the positive and the new buildings, better buildings, and the spirit of community that resulted in places like Musician's Village being built. This is a good thing. New Orleanians are resilient, joyful people.

For those of you who didn't live there or grow up there, and who don't know the richness of the culture and the beauty of the people, it is almost impossible to explain. New Orleans was, and is, a very special place. It is a culture that cannot be grasped through glimpses of Mardi Gras parades on national tv. It is a culture that is all about neighborhoods and community, feeding each other good food, and rejoicing and crying together.

The city has rebuilt. Time has moved on. But there is still the loss. People were lost. A city's landscape was changed forever. Sometimes you turn a corner, and see a visible scar that makes you catch your breath.

After ten years, we can stop to pray, and remember.

This crucifix went through the storm, in a home that is no longer there. God remains with us. Always.